Common Kestrels at the Corbusierhaus in Berlin — Online Webcam

History of Falcon Nesting at the Corbusierhaus

The Berlin Corbusierhaus became home to birds of prey by no means by chance. In 2005, the conservation organization NABU installed a special nest box on the roof of the building, and soon a pair of common kestrels took a liking to it. Since then, chicks have appeared here every spring, and they can now be observed via a live webcam.

Turmfalke — as these birds are called in Germany — chose the Corbusierhaus for good reason. The building is situated on an elevated site in the Westend district, and its architectural forms resemble limestone rocky cliffs, which in nature serve as natural nesting sites for kestrels. The height of the building provides the birds with safety from ground predators and an excellent vantage point for hunting city pigeons.

Corbusierhaus Architecture — the Ideal Place for Predators

The Corbusierhaus in Berlin is not just a residential complex, but an architectural monument built according to Le Corbusier's design. The building mimics limestone rocky cliffs (Kalksteinklippe) — the natural habitat of kestrels. Its massive concrete structures, vertical lines, and open terraces create conditions close to natural rocky landscapes.

For common kestrels, this similarity is critically important. In the wild, they nest on cliffs, choosing inaccessible ledges and crevices. The Corbusierhaus provides them with an analogous environment right in the center of a metropolis. The brickwork and concrete walls of the building create a microclimate suitable for incubating eggs and raising offspring.

Common Kestrels: Life at Height

The common kestrel is one of the most widespread birds of prey in Europe, but observing it in an urban environment is a special experience. The egg incubation period for this species lasts 30–34 days. The female plays the main role in incubation, while the male procures food for her. The chicks are born covered in white down, and after 35–40 days they take their first flight.

In the nest visible on the webcam, the birds have laid bedding made of twigs and plant material. This arrangement helps keep the eggs in place and provides thermal insulation. The camera is aimed at the inner wall of the building, where an architectural element is visible — a brick or concrete wall and part of the building's structure.

Common Buzzards on the Roof — Unexpected Tenants

The nesting history at the Corbusierhaus also knows unexpected twists. In 2016, a pair of common buzzards settled in the nest box on the roof instead of kestrels. This is atypical for this species, as common buzzards usually nest in trees, and kestrels are the dominant birds of prey that typically displace them from prime locations.

The common buzzard, or common hawk, is a large bird of prey from the hawk family. Unlike kestrels, which hunt on the wing, common buzzards prefer to stalk prey from a perch or in low flight. Their appearance at the Corbusierhaus came as a surprise to ornithologists and sparked lively interest among Berliners who had been following the life of the nest via the online camera.

Westend District: Where the Corbusierhaus Is Located

The Corbusierhaus is located in the Westend district — one of the greenest and quietest areas of Berlin, part of the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf borough. This district is known for its spacious parks, early 20th-century villas, and proximity to the Messe Berlin exhibition complex.

Westend lies to the west of the city center, not far from the Olympic Stadium and Grunewald forest. The district maintains a suburban atmosphere while being within the boundaries of a metropolis — an ideal combination for those who want to live in peace and quiet but with quick access to the center. The Corbusierhaus has become one of the architectural landmarks of this district.

How to Get to the Corbusierhaus

For those who want to see the building in person, getting there is easy. The nearest subway stations are Ruhleben and Neu-Westend on the U2 line. The building's address: Flatowallee 21-23, 14055 Berlin.

From Ruhleben station, you can walk there in just a few minutes — the building is clearly visible due to its distinctive architecture. Buses also run to the Corbusierhaus, and parking is available for motorists. If you happen to be in Berlin and are interested in modern architecture, be sure to include this site in your itinerary.

What You Can See on the Camera

The live webcam shows the common kestrel nest inside the Corbusierhaus. The camera is aimed at the birds of prey nesting site within the urban architectural environment. In the nest, lined with twigs and plant material, there are young chicks — either common buzzard or kestrel chicks, depending on who has occupied the nest box in the current season.

The broadcast shows the inner wall of the building — brick or concrete masonry and part of the Corbusierhaus structure. This is a unique opportunity to observe the lives of birds of prey in real time without leaving home. The live stream runs around the clock, allowing you to see the birds' behavior at different times of day — from morning feedings to nighttime rest in the nest.